Fashion’s game of musical chairs is back at it, and this time the stage belongs to Valentino. The Roman maison has officially named Riccardo Bellini its new CEO, stepping in after Jacopo Venturini exited just last week. Bellini starts 1 September, which in fashion time is basically tomorrow.
Bellini isn’t exactly new to the luxury merry-go-round. He’s done the rounds at Maison Margiela with John Galliano, steered Chloé through the pandemic (and even helped the brand achieve B Corp status with Gabriela Hearst), and most recently parked himself at Mayhoola for Investments (Valentino and Balmain’s parent company). Now, he’s back on the brand side, pairing up with Alessandro Michele, who’s already making waves with his maximalist stamp on Valentino.
Chairman Rachid Mohamed Rachid didn’t mince words, calling Bellini’s luxury resumé and strategic chops exactly what Valentino needs to “amplify its unique identity.” Translation: they’re banking on him to turn the maison’s numbers around. After all, sales dipped 2% in 2024 to €1.31 billion, and EBITDA slid 22%. Ouch.
Of course, there’s also the looming shadow of Kering. Mayhoola already sold a 30% stake to the luxury giant, and Kering has the option to scoop up the rest by 2028. Bellini’s job? Keep Valentino not just relevant but irresistible while navigating one of the industry’s most-watched takeovers.
The stakes are high, but if Bellini’s track record says anything, it’s that he knows how to steady a ship and give it fresh wind. And with Michele’s debut collections still finding their commercial stride, all eyes are on this new power duo to script Valentino’s next chapter.
One thing’s for sure: fashion boardrooms are serving just as much drama as the runways.
